Quality of life outcomes in children born with duodenal atresia

The aim of this study was to determine long term quality of life (QoL) outcome for children who underwent surgery for duodenal atresia (DA). Patients were identified from a prospective database of neonatal DA cases managed at a tertiary pediatric surgical centre. The QoL was measured using the validated PedsQL™ 4.0 core score and PedsQL™ gastrointestinal module; higher score equates to better QoL. Participants' scores were compared to published control cohorts, age-matching the core score. Trisomy 21 was identified a priori as a possible confounder, informing subgroup analyses for children with and without trisomy 21. Fifty-five families were invited to participate, with 38 surveys returned (39% male; median age 6.7y, range 2.7–17.3y). Seven participants had trisomy 21. There were no differences in QoL measures between all DA participants and controls. The PedsQL™ core score was significantly lower for DA participants with trisomy 21, but there was no accompanying difference in PedsQL™ gastrointestinal score. Children undergoing DA surgery in the neonatal period typically grow up to have a QoL comparable to a healthy population. Children with DA and trisomy 21 were more likely to have reduced overall QoL, albeit without an associated difference in gastrointestinal QoL score. Prognosis study – level II (prospective cohort study).